A 65 kg

65

kg
diver stands still on a tower, 10.0 m
10.0

m
above the water.

(a) Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the diver, relative to the height of the water. Assume the gravitational field constant is 9.8 N/kg
9.8

N
/
kg

(b) The diver reaches the surface of the water at a speed of 14 m/s
14

m
/
s
. Calculate the diver’s kinetic energy.

(c) Compare your answers to (a) and (b). Explain your comparison using concepts learned in this course. Assume there is no air resistance during the dive.

(d) Calculate the speed of the diver 5.0 m
5.0

m
above the water.

(4 points)

3 answers

To tackle the problem step by step:

(a) Gravitational Potential Energy of the Diver

The formula for gravitational potential energy (PE) is given by:

\[ PE = m \cdot g \cdot h \]

where:

  • \( m = 65 , \text{kg} \) (mass of the diver)
  • \( g = 9.8 , \text{N/kg} \) (acceleration due to gravity)
  • \( h = 10.0 , \text{m} \) (height of the tower above water)

Substituting in the values:

\[ PE = 65 , \text{kg} \cdot 9.8 , \text{N/kg} \cdot 10.0 , \text{m} = 6370 , \text{J} \]

So, the gravitational potential energy of the diver relative to the height of the water is 6370 J.

(b) Kinetic Energy of the Diver

The kinetic energy (KE) of the diver as they hit the water can be calculated using the formula:

\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]

where:

  • \( v = 14 , \text{m/s} \)

Substituting in the values:

\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 65 , \text{kg} \cdot (14 , \text{m/s})^2 = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 65 \cdot 196 = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 12740 = 6370 , \text{J} \]

So, the kinetic energy of the diver just before entering the water is also 6370 J.

(c) Comparison of Potential and Kinetic Energy

The gravitational potential energy calculated in part (a) and the kinetic energy calculated in part (b) are equal, both being 6370 J. This relationship illustrates the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, which states that in the absence of non-conservative forces (like air resistance), the total mechanical energy of an object remains constant.

In this case, when the diver stands on the tower, they possess gravitational potential energy due to their height. As they dive, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy, leading to a speed of 14 m/s just before hitting the water. The equality of the two energies confirms the conversion of energy and the conservation law.

(d) Speed of the Diver 5.0 m Above the Water

To find the speed of the diver 5.0 m above the water, we can use the conservation of energy once again.

At 5.0 m high, the diver has both potential energy and kinetic energy. The potential energy at that height is:

\[ PE' = m \cdot g \cdot h' = 65 , \text{kg} \cdot 9.8 , \text{N/kg} \cdot 5.0 , \text{m} = 65 \cdot 9.8 \cdot 5 = 3190 , \text{J} \]

The total energy when diving starts at the top (which is also the kinetic energy when about to enter the water) is:

\[ E_{\text{total}} = PE + KE = 6370 , \text{J} + 0 , \text{J} = 6370 , \text{J} \]

At 5.0 m above the water, the kinetic energy can be expressed as:

\[ KE' = E_{\text{total}} - PE' = 6370 , \text{J} - 3190 , \text{J} = 3180 , \text{J} \]

Now, we can solve for the speed at that height using the kinetic energy formula:

\[ KE' = \frac{1}{2} m v'^2 \]

Substituting:

\[ 3180 , \text{J} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 65 , \text{kg} \cdot v'^2 \]

Solving for \( v' \):

\[ v'^2 = \frac{2 \cdot 3180}{65} \approx \frac{6360}{65} \approx 97.54 \]

\[ v' \approx \sqrt{97.54} \approx 9.87 , \text{m/s} \]

Thus, the speed of the diver 5.0 m above the water is approximately 9.87 m/s.

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To determine the gravitational potential energy (PE) of a 65 kg diver standing on a tower 10.0 m above the water, we use the formula PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass, g is the gravitational field constant (9.8 N/kg), and h is the height. Substituting the values, we calculate PE = 65 kg * 9.8 N/kg * 10.0 m = 6370 J. For the kinetic energy (KE) of the diver upon reaching the water at a speed of 14 m/s, we use the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v^2. This gives us KE = 0.5 * 65 kg * (14 m/s)^2 = 6370 J. Comparing the two energies, both the potential and kinetic energies equal 6370 J, illustrating the principle of conservation of mechanical energy. This principle states that in the absence of non-conservative forces, the total mechanical energy of the diver remains constant, with potential energy converting into kinetic energy during the dive. To find the speed of the diver 5.0 m above the water, we again apply energy conservation. At this height, the potential energy is PE' = 65 kg * 9.8 N/kg * 5.0 m = 3190 J. The total energy when diving starts at the top is E_total = 6370 J. Thus, the kinetic energy at 5.0 m is KE' = E_total - PE' = 6370 J - 3190 J = 3180 J. Using KE' = 0.5 * m * v'^2, we solve for v', giving us 3180 J = 0.5 * 65 kg * v'^2. This results in v'^2 = (2 * 3180) / 65 ≈ 97.54, leading to v' ≈ √97.54 ≈ 9.87 m/s. Therefore, the speed of the diver 5.0 m above the water is approximately 9.87 m/s.

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